Ironically for a country with extremely limited arable land, and bordering the sea with a coastline of around 195 miles, Djibouti has a very small and underdeveloped fishing industry. There are around ninety fishing boats employing around 300 people which mainly catch reef fish such as grouper, however much of the fishing comprises traditional spear hunting or using a line and hook. Lobsters are also caught by local divers. Given the levels of poverty in the country, Djibouti does not have the capacity to patrol its sea and fishermen from Yemen are known to fish illegally in Djiboutian waters.

Although Djibouti has the capacity to land more than its current 350 tons each year from the sea, the Fisheries Law of 2002 prohibits large scale development, ensuing traditional fishing habits remain at the heart of the industry. In addition to sea life, Djibouti boasts many lakes such as Lake Assal, a crater lake in central Djibouti which is not only the world's third largest saltwater lake but the lowest point in Africa, lying 508 feet below sea level.